Calceolaria tenella

RHS Plant Profile
delicate slipper flower
Alpine Rockery Conservatory Greenhouse

A small, deciduous, mat-forming shrubby alpine perennial with delicate, hairy yellow-green foliage, bristly stems and almost orchid-like inflated yellow flowers with pale red spots appearing in clusters of up to three above the foliage in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Calceolariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Calceolaria can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with opposite leaves or basal rosettes, and solitary or clustered, slipper-like yellow, red or purple flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in light, moderately fertile, acidic soil in sun or partial shade. Flowering is best in cool, moist conditions. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. To overwinter plants, lift them before the first frosts and put them in pots in a frost-free greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown under glass in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds